A large crocodile was spotted hunting tourists taking a night-time dip in the sea.
The holidaymakers had to be dragged to safety as the deadly predator stalked them in the waves.
The croc swam straight at a woman standing just a few feet away.
READ MORE: Tourist dragged into sea and killed by crocodile
She was seen clinging onto her beer bottle while fleeing the water in terror.
A man dragged her to safety just as the predator closed in.
The drama unfolded in the popular tourist hotspot of Caye Caulker in the Central American country Belize on Saturday (8 Aug).
The group reacted just in time and escaped without injury, as reported by Need To Know.
Officials have since issued a stern warning.
The Belize Forest Department said: “Of particular concern are reports of crocodiles being intentionally fed or encouraged to approach people.
“The Forest Department strongly reminds the public that crocodiles should never be fed, approached, touched, provoked or encouraged to interact with anyone.”
It followed other unsafe encounters on the island.
Dr Marisa Tellez, executive director of the Crocodile Research Coalition, said: “What we saw in that video is not the natural behaviour of an American crocodile.
“This animal has been habituated.”
“Feeding has trained the reptiles to link humans with food.
“They hear human voices because now they have been trained, ‘I hear humans, I get food’.
“If you do see a crocodile that is coming close to you, do not splash.”
She added: “Remain calm and go toward the shore, not putting your back towards crocodiles.”
Tourists are advised to avoid swimming at night when the animals hunt.
Community meetings will be held on the island to discuss introducing new safety measures.
Warning signs will also be installed.
READ MORE: Mums scream in fear as crocodile appears in middle of kids’ open-water swimming race
